TLDR
- Around $200,000 in cryptocurrency, specifically in USDT, was seized by the DOJ as it was earmarked for Hamas.
- Investigations revealed that these funds were connected to Hamas via fundraising digital wallets, which had channeled over $1.5 million since October 2024.
- Hamas supporters utilized an encrypted messaging group to exchange at least 17 different cryptocurrency addresses for sending donations.
- The assets confiscated included cryptocurrency addresses valued at $89,900, alongside three other accounts holding $111,500.
- These accounts were primarily associated with individuals of Palestinian origin residing in Turkey and potentially in other nations.
On March 27, 2025, the DOJ announced a significant disruption of a terrorist financial scheme by apprehending around $200,000 in cryptocurrency aimed at aiding Hamas. The assets seized were largely in USDT, the leading stablecoin globally. Federal investigations traced Hamas's funding through addresses suspected of being under the group’s influence. Over $1.5 million worth of digital currency was allegedly laundered from these sources since October 2024, as indicated by the DOJ’s report.
Edward R. Martin Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, reiterated the government’s proactive stance in cutting financial ties to Hamas. \"Our office remains vigilant in ensuring that no resources intended for Hamas slip through the cracks, regardless of their currency form,\" he asserted.
A sophisticated networking effort saw Hamas's fundraising operations coordinated and facilitated via encrypted online group communications. This allowed worldwide supporters access to dynamic sets of cryptocurrency addresses.
The network managed to prompt supporters into contributing to at least 17 separate cryptocurrency wallets. The contributed sums were integrated into a primary wallet before undergoing laundering through various procedures.
The operation made use of multiple virtual currency transaction platforms and financial avenues, working with alleged financial facilitators and brokers to weave the funds through the system.
Tracing the Digital Money Trail
Seized in the operation were around $89,900 in cryptocurrency addresses, alongside three accounts with a combined value of roughly $111,500 appropriated by officials.
The Department of Justice highlighted that these accounts were linked to registered Palestinian individuals. Their current residences spanned Turkey and several other unspecified countries.
Sue J. Bai from the Justice Department's National Security Division reaffirmed the government's firm resolution. \"Under Attorney General Pam Bondi's leadership, the DOJ is actively employing every tactic available to dismantle Hamas fund streams,\" she declared.
Raul Bujanda, FBI Special Agent in Charge at the Albuquerque office, underscored the critical role of financial disruption in counterterrorist activities. \"By intercepting these funds, their operational capacity is notably weakened,\" he articulated.
Bujanda further elaborated on the strategic importance of financial confrontation in the war against terror. \"This milestone underscores how financial intervention is pivotal in our fight against terrorism,\" he added.
The case underwent scrutiny by various branches of the FBI, with collaboration between the Albuquerque Field Office and divisions specializing in counterterrorism and cyber security ensuring the assets’ retrieval.
Handling the legal prosecution are several attorneys, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla representing the District of Columbia, supported by Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery from the National Security Cyber Section of the National Security Division.
Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Counterterrorism Section within the National Security Division also plays a crucial role in the prosecution. The DOJ has communicated that investigatory efforts are still actively underway.
This cryptocurrency seizure aligns with broader initiatives to curb Hamas’s economic channels. Previously, investigations by the U.S. Treasury Department scrutinized $165 million in crypto transactions supposedly linked to Hamas, preceding their October 7, 2023 assault on Israel.
The October 7 attack tragically claimed approximately 1,200 lives, including those of 40 American nationals. The latest confiscation reaffirms the government's unwavering resolve to intercept financial flows to terror groups, irrespective of currency type.
Maisie boasts extensive experience in financial journalism, writing for leading platforms such as Moneycheck.com and level-up-casino-app.com, and currently spearheads editorial tasks as Editor in Chief at Blockfresh.com.
